At Least 40 Dead as Fire Rips Through Bar During New Year Celebrations in Switzerland’s Ski Resort Town

At least 40 people were killed and 115 others seriously injured after a massive fire tore through a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana early Thursday, Swiss authorities have confirmed. The blaze broke out while New Year's celebrations were underway, turning a festive gathering into one of Switzerland's deadliest incidents in recent years.

Addressing a joint press conference with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and senior officials, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler confirmed the death toll for the first time since the tragedy occurred.

"As I speak to you, we have identified around 40 people who have died, and another 115 people severely injured," Gisler said.

Fire Broke Out During New Year Celebrations

The incident occurred at around 1:30 am local time at the crowded Le Constellation bar, a popular nightlife spot in Crans-Montana. Witnesses near the site said New Year festivities were in full swing when the fire erupted, causing panic among patrons.

According to preliminary eyewitness accounts, pyrotechnics used during the celebrations may have triggered the blaze, though officials cautioned that the exact cause has not yet been established.

Cause Under Investigation, No Terror Angle

Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said investigators have not yet been able to access the wreckage due to safety concerns, making it too early to determine the cause of the fire.

"At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack," Pilloud said at the press conference, ruling out terrorism.

Swiss police reiterated that the incident is being treated strictly as a fire-related disaster and not as a security or terror incident.

Area Sealed, No-Fly Zone Imposed

Authorities immediately sealed off the area surrounding the bar and closed it to the public as emergency services worked through the night. A temporary no-fly zone was also imposed over Crans-Montana, AFP reported, to allow rescue operations and investigations to proceed without disruption.

Emergency responders from across the Valais canton were deployed to evacuate victims, treat the injured, and secure the site.

Resort in Shock After Night of Tragedy

Crans-Montana is internationally known as a ski and golf resort that attracts thousands of visitors during the winter season. The deadly fire has cast a shadow over the town, which was celebrating the arrival of the New Year just hours before the tragedy.

The resort is also scheduled to host a major speed skiing event, the FIS World Cup, later this month. Officials have not yet commented on whether the event will be affected.

As investigations continue, authorities said more details will be shared once forensic teams are able to safely examine the scene. Families of victims and injured survivors are being offered support as Switzerland comes to terms with the scale of the disaster.